Bear that attacked NJ hiker caught and euthanized

New Jersey wildlife officials say an aggressive bear that attacked a hiker and his dog and forced a town to postpone its holiday fireworks display has been caught and euthanized.

The 188-pound female was trapped Thursday in West Milford, about 35 miles northwest of Newark.

It was caught near the same area of Norvin Green State Park where it charged at a man and his dog on June 24. The man was knocked down; the dog was seriously injured but is recovering.

State wildlife biologist Patrick Carr said the bear was euthanized because it was considered a threat to humans.

With the bear on the loose earlier this week, West Milford officials decided to postpone the annual "Thunder in the Highlands" fireworks show that was scheduled for the park Friday night. It will be held July 9.